PORTALBERITA.CO.ID - The public discourse surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) is characterized by starkly contrasting narratives, creating an inescapable sense of cognitive dissonance about its future impact. We are simultaneously told that AI is either the harbinger of unparalleled prosperity or the catalyst for societal collapse, leaving little room for nuance.
The economic influence of this technology is already substantial, with projections indicating massive revenue generation. In the final quarter of 2025, AI was reportedly responsible for nearly 60% of the growth observed within the US economy.
Despite these financial projections, anxieties persist regarding a potential AI market correction, leading economists and commentators to express concern over an impending economic downturn. This uncertainty shadows the rapid technological advancement witnessed since the launch of the first major language model, ChatGPT, in late 2022.
The tech sector has already experienced significant workforce adjustments, with over half a million technology workers reportedly losing their roles since the model's release. Industry leaders have emphasized the transformative nature of AI on employment structures, suggesting that direct replacement might be less common than augmentation.
Jensen Huang, the CEO of chip manufacturer Nvidia, asserted in 2025 that "Every job will be affected, and immediately. It is unquestionable. You’re not going to lose your job to an AI, but you’re going to lose your job to someone who uses AI."
Furthermore, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei projected in January that "AI isn't a substitute for specific human jobs but rather a general labor substitute for humans." This suggests a broader impact on the human workforce rather than just specialized roles.
Many young professionals are entering the Silicon Valley startup scene, driven less by pure idealism and more by the fear of economic marginalization. They are reportedly rushing to secure positions in AI ventures, lest they be relegated to a "permanent underclass" created by the very technology they are building.
These extreme views—either utopian or apocalyptic—share a common thread of "AI absolutism," which some analysts suggest is intentionally cultivated by those building the technology. This polarization mirrors broader societal divisions and potentially fuels investor interest.
Suresh Naidu, a professor at Columbia University’s department of economics, suggested that this narrative is linked to financial incentives, stating, "If you want to justify this enormous valuation in your IPO, you need to point to the revenue stream that you’re going to generate in the future." He elaborated that the goal is to present AI as a force capable of absorbing global labor to attract maximum investment.
